Closed-Loop Positioning of Hemiplegic Patient''s Joint by Means of Functional Electrical Stimulation

We report about the results on positioning of the ankle joint of a hemiplegic patient and of normal experimental subjects, using functional electrical stimulation (FES) of antagonistic muscle groups and position feedback. Such a controller is intended to be used as the execution level of a multilevel orthotic system. The synthesis of the controller has been made with the aid of the components of an analog hybrid computer. Experimental results show that the static and dynamic properties of regulated movements are not essentially inferior to the properties of voluntary movements. There are stated technological problems that will have to be solved before the controller can be clinically applied for rehabilitation purposes. At the present state of the art, the poor technology of FES, the unsolved problem of fatigue with FES muscles, size, price, and bad cosmetic effect prevent the position controller from being clinically applicable.     

Optimization of cutting conditions during cutting by using neural networks

Optimum selection of cutting conditions importantly contribute to the increase of productivity and the reduction of costs, therefore utmost attention is paid to this problem in this contribution. In this paper, a neural network-based approach to complex optimization of cutting parameters is proposed. It describes the multi-objective technique of optimization of cutting conditions by means of the neural networks taking into consideration the technological, economic and organizational limitations. To reach higher precision of the predicted results, a neural optimization algorithm is developed and presented to ensure simple, fast and efficient optimization of all important turning parameters. The approach is suitable for fast determination of optimum cutting parameters during machining, where there is not enough time for deep analysis. To demonstrate the procedure and performance of the neural network approach, an illustrative example is discussed in detail.     

Design approaches for the X band LLRF system

The low-level RF (LLRF) system regulates disturbances over a limited bandwidth in accordance with its capabilities and the RF loop parameters. The disturbances usually originate in the RF system or can be coupled to the RF system from the environment. In this paper a general overview of the possible design approaches for a digital LLRF system operating in X band is presented. Firstly, the possible design approaches of the RF front/back ends are presented and reviewed. We also define the main design parameters for the RF front/back ends. Parameters like isolation between channels, noise, gain, linearity and number of IF stages are put into the perspective of machines using RF components in the X band. An important part of the LLRF system is the local RF timing generation and distribution, which is also treated in the paper. In the second part of the paper the main design approaches in the digital signal processing part of the LLRF system are presented. The emphasis is on the algorithms that are machine specific. Some standard processing algorithms like adaptive feed-forward and arbitrary shaping of feed-forward pulses are presented. Finally, a suggestion for the X band LLRF design is given.     

Energy saving in building with PCM cold storage

This article presents an experimental and numerical analysis of cooling buildings using night‐time cold accumulation in phase change material (PCM), otherwise known as the ‘free‐cooling principle’. Experimental and numerical studies of the ceiling and floor free‐cooling principle, as well as passive cooling, are presented. The free‐cooling principle is explained and some of the types of PCMs suitable for summer cooling are listed. An experiment was conducted using paraffin with a melting point of 22°C as the PCM to store cold during the night‐time and to cool hot air during the daytime in summer. Air temperatures and heat fluxes as a function of time and dimensionless cold discharging values are presented for different air velocities. Experimental analysis of one week of measuring under real conditions is presented in order to show how cold storage functions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

System for off‐line feedrate optimization and neural force control in end milling

Based on hybrid process modeling, off‐line optimization and neural control scheme (NCS), the combined system for off‐line optimization and adaptive adjustment of cutting parameters is built. This is an adaptive control system controlling the cutting force by digital adaptation of cutting parameters. In this way, it compensates all disturbances during the cutting process, prevents excessive tool wear, and maintains a high chip removal rate. It is the combination of these methods that yields accurate force control. The basic control principle is based on the NCS consisting of two neural identifiers of the process dynamics and feedback controller. An overall procedure of hybrid modeling of cutting process, used for working out the computer numerical control (CNC) milling simulator has been prepared. CNC simulator is used to evaluate the controller design before conducting experimental tests. Numerous simulations and experiments have been conducted to confirm the efficiency of this control architecture. The experimental results show that not only does the end‐milling system with the design controller have high robustness and global stability, but also the machining efficiency of the end milling system with the proposed controller is 27% higher than for traditional CNC milling system. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Functionalization of polylactic acid through direct melt polycondensation in the presence of tricarboxylic acid

The goal of the article was to describe the preparation of carboxyl‐functionalized polylactic acid (PLA) through the method of direct melt copolycondensation of lactic and citric acid (CA). In addition, detailed study of copolycondensation process, its limitations and investigation of the reaction products properties are another issue this article deals with. The effect of tricarboxylic CA on the resulting properties of the functionalized lactic acid (LA) polycondesates was studied in a wide range of LA/CA molar ratios. The influence of CA on molecular weight, thermal and physicochemical properties, and chemical structure of the products was investigated, using viscometric measurements of the polymer solutions, gel permeation chromatography, ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, acidity number determination, and Fourier‐transform infrared and ultraviolet spectroscopy. The results show the significant effect of CA on the structure and physicochemical properties as well as high efficiency of functionalization. Furthermore, a branched structure was detected at low CA concentrations, while higher CA content leads to termination of the polycondensates chains by citryl units and a reduction in the molecular weight. Here, insights on the characterization methods of PLA‐based materials are given by various experimental techniques. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Molecular and immunological characterization of Mus a 5 allergen from banana fruit

Scope Banana fruit has become an important cause of fruit allergy in the recent years. Among the five registered IUIS allergens, Mus a 1 and Mus a 2 have been characterized in detail. In this study, molecular characterization and evaluation of the allergenic properties of β‐1,3‐glucanase from banana (Musa acuminata), denoted as Mus a 5, were performed Methods and results The gene of Mus a 5 was cloned and sequenced. The obtained cDNA revealed a novel Mus a 5 isoform with an open reading frame encoding a protein of 340 amino acids comprising a putative signal peptide of 28 amino acid residues. By MALDI‐TOF analysis Mus a 5 isolated from banana fruit revealed a molecular mass of 33451±67 Da. Two Mus a 5 isoforms (pI 7.7 and 8.0) were detected by 2D immunoblot with an identical N‐terminal sequence. By mass fingerprint, 76 and 83% of the primary structure was confirmed for the two mature Mus a 5 isoforms, respectively. IgE reactivity to Mus a 5 was found in 74% of patients sensitized to banana fruit. Upregulation of basophil activation markers CD63 and CD203c was achieved with Mus a 5 in a concentration‐dependent manner Conclusion Mus a 5 is a functional allergen and a candidate for the component‐resolved allergy diagnosis of banana allergy.